THE public could get the chance to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee overlooking the River Esk if a new cafe with a balcony in Musselburgh gets the go-ahead.

A revised planning application has been submitted to East Lothian Council by a prominent Edinburgh restaurateur for the eatery at Musselburgh Auctions, which is situated in a former Baptist church hall at 163 High Street.

The cafe plan was approved a year ago but Franco Martone, who owns Bar Italia and Ciao Roma in Edinburgh, is now hoping to increase the cafe seating area by creating an upper floor level and external public terrace.

The saleroom and antique dealers shop, which would continue to trade in the building, are accessed through a close, with Eskside Pharmacy at street level and a residential property above.

A planning statement issued by Edinburgh-based Format Design on behalf of Mr Martone said the cafe would be open to the public.

It said: “The proposal would take advantage of the riverside setting.

“Whilst principally this would be servicing the needs of the antique dealers and clientele who visit the auctions, it would also introduce an excellent facility for locals and visitors to the town centre.

“It is intended to introduce more of a promenade feel along Eskside, which is presently considered to be a missed opportunity.

“At present, the street has a very ‘back door’ service area feel to it. The applicant proposes to introduce a more attractive frontage.

“It would create a very attractive place to sit and have a coffee, in particularly on the balcony overlooking the Esk. This would have a positive impact on the town centre.”

Access would be possible directly into the cafe, Format Design added.

As part of the plan, another upper mezzanine level would create a public gallery for the antique shop and auction room which would allow people to view the auctions.